Is anyone els that’s a Carer for someone have broken sleep or not any sleep as you constantly think about there medication time or what’s happening the next day if there comfortable or any little sound for that matter
Hi Ross b welcome to the forum, and sorry that you have not had a response as yet.
I think your description of how it feels to be caring for someone who is ill will resonate with every Carer in the land so you are not alone in what is happening for you right now.
It sounds like you could do with some support yourself and Im wondering if you have a Carers Centre anywhere near you as they will be able to look after you when you are looking after someone else and they will also be able to put you in touch with other Carers you can talk with. If you are not aware of the Carers Centre, there may be one nearby and I wonder if you dont have one locally could you maybe give the Macmillan Line a call on 08088080000 as they will be able to tell you where your nearest centre is and give you contact details for this.
Being a Carer is the hardest job in the world and I imagine you are one of thousands of the unpaid Carers who keep this country going but what I want to say to you is to remember yourself in the midst of all this as you have needs as well and if they are not attended to you may become unwell yourself so remember to look after you.
Do you have any support for you in your Caring role? It might be worth asking the GP or the Macmillan Line what if any services may be available to you to enable you to get a nights undisturbed sleep.
Please do come back and let us know how you get on and if there are any services available to help others as well.
I would also like to say 'hello' and welcome to the community. I have just read your profile and I am so sorry to hear about your dad and also his twin brother.
You say your dad has Alzheimer's, I know how hard it is to look after someone with any form of dementia. You can contact the Alzheimer's Society at www.alzheimers.org.uk or phone them on 0333 150 3456. You can also contact AgeUK on www.ageuk.org.uk and their help line is 0800 678 1602.
The Macmillan helpline on 0808 808 00 00 also offer excellent support. The line is available seven days a week from 8:00am to 8:00pm and there is always a friendly voice at the end of the line. Please pass this number on to your Uncle as they offer support and help on anything cancer related.
You can speak any to these organisations or the Citizens Advice for help on benefits, including Carers Allowance.
You must also speak to your GP to register as your dad's carer and ask for a Carer's Assessment.
When I was the main carer for a close friend, I also got extremely tired, even though a family member stayed overnight twice a week. The district nurse referred us to Marie Curie and they sent in their nurses for night duties two or three times a week, depending upon their availability. This really helped me sleep knowing that someone was with my friend throughout the night. If you speak to your dad's GP he may be able to organise someone from Marie Curie in your area to contact you, and if your dad was agreeable, they might be able to help with night sits.
It is most important that you look after yourself too, you must try and have little breaks away from your dad, if it's only going for a little walk once or twice a day.
Take care, and keep safe, and I send you a big hug
